The return of Capital One’s ‘The Match’….and Tiger

Capital One’s increasingly popular ‘The Match’ returns this Saturday with the seventh edition of the made-for-TV charity showcase.

After an all-NFL Quarterback duel that pitted future Hall of Famers, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, against rising stars, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in the summer, the seventh edition of ‘The Match’ goes back to its roots with an all-golf superstar affair.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will take on Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth under the lights on Saturday night at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.

Woods, who will be making his third appearance in Capital One’s ‘The Match’, was last seen in action at a competitive event during the 150th Open Championship in July. The emotional scene of Tiger Woods walking up the 18th at St. Andrews on that Friday is one that will not soon be forgotten.

“Yes, it’s very emotional for me. I’ve been coming here since 1995, and I don’t know when — I think the next one comes around in what, 2030 — and I don’t know if I will be physically able to play by then,” an emotional Woods said after. 

"“So to me it felt like this might have been my last British Open here at St Andrews. And the fans, the ovation and the warmth, it was an unbelievable feeling.” – Tiger Woods"

The 15-time major champion has made just three starts this year, including his miraculous and inspirational return at the Masters in April that came just over a year removed from his horrific accident. 

Tiger Woods also played in the PGA Championship in May before having to withdraw prior to its completion.

Woods had planned to play in his event last week, the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, but once again had to unfortunately withdraw. 

The return of Tiger Woods

On Saturday night in Florida, Tiger Woods will take to the course for just the fourth time in 2022, albeit in an exhibition event.  The 82-time PGA Tour winner played in the inaugural edition of ‘The Match’ back in 2018 against Phil Mickelson at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.

Tiger then partnered up with former NFL star Peyton Manning for the second edition of the charity showcase back in May of 2020. He will join playing partner Rory McIlroy this time around.

While Woods will be appearing in ‘The Match’ for the third time on Saturday, all three of Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth will be making their debut in the event.

The Format

Both teams will play at most 12 holes around Pelican Golf Club under the lights with the implementation of a ‘Best Ball’ match play format once again. What this means is that each player will play their own ball and record the lowest score of the two for the team on each hole.

TNT will air the seventh edition of Capital One’s ‘The Match’ beginning at 6:30 PM EST with Simulcasts available on TBS, truTV, and HLN.